| Herb of the
Month Lemon Balm Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis |
Click Here to buy Dried Lemon Balm |
Melissa is a Greek word meaning "honey bee". Officinalis indicates that the plant is medicinal in nature.
This member of the mint family with its lemon aroma, has been recognized for both its soothing smell and medicinal qualities as far back as the ancient Greeks. In the Elizabethan times, Londoners carried Tussie Mussies filled with Lemon Balm and other sweet smelling herbs and flowers. Lemon Balm was said to renew life, strengthen the brain and drive away sadness.
Today Lemon Balm is still a main ingredient in Potpourris. But its use has grown due to its therapeutic properties. Most often it is used for relieving cold and flu symptoms and reducing fever. But research has shown Lemon Balm's strong anti-viral properties are a great relief even for Oral and Genital Herpes. Used topically, it can cut the healing time down drastically including the size and frequency of the out breaks.
Lemon Balm is easy to grow, likes most soil types and can quickly take over any garden. Dead head to keep the plant healthy and to slow its self propagation down. It does great planted in containers and then can be easily moved indoors for the winter. However, in mild climates simply cut the long dried out stems down to the ground and wait until spring for signs of new growth.
Harvest the fresh leaves throughout the growing season for teas, salads and use as a garnish. These fresh leaves have a stronger flavor but can also be dried for use throughout the year.
Lemon Balm strengthens the immune system, helping the body prevent infection and disease. It has a reputation as a cure all, so it is a great addition to almost any aromatherapy and herbal blend. Stock up for the eventual cold and flu season.
Lemon Balm relaxes and restores the nervous system. It is great to aid sleep at night but it is also beneficial for other nerve disorders including fainting, hysteria and migraine headaches. Its antispasmodic properties effect the entire body, but are often used for the digestive and reproductive systems, aiding nervous stomachs, indigestion, cramping, gas and colic. Lemon Balm is safe for children and is on the FDA's list, generally recognized as safe.
Lemon Balm also supports women & PMS issues by regulating the menstrual cycle, easing cramping and bloating and its antidepressant properties helps with emotional upsets.
Medicinal Properties include: Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Antihistamine, Calmative, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestion, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Nervine, Stimulant, Sedative relaxes peripheral blood vessels, relaxing restorative for the nervous system,
Dried Herb Usage
Tea - Drink for colds, fever, indigestion, PMS and insomnia.
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried crushed herbs per cup of boiled
water. Steep 10 minutes.
Skin - Use Lemon Balm floral water for a lightly astringent
facial steam, or to help heal allergic skin rashes. Rub fresh
leaves on the skin to treat cold sores, insect bites and for a
natural mosquito repellent. Careful, can attract bees.
Poultice- Apply to help heal wounds, insect bites and reduce
swelling.
Bath - Its antihistaminic abilities make it beneficial
to allergy sufferers and those that suffer from upper respiratory
difficulty. Make a strong infusion then add to bath water. Also
great for purifying baths.
Potpourri - A great addition of scent to any potpourri
or Tussie Mussies.
Culinary - Use fresh leaves in salads, salad dressings
or as a garnish. Add chopped leaves to the last few minutes of
cooking fish and chicken or sprinkle over vegetables.
Lemon Balm is on
sale this month.
Approx. 2 cup zipbags - Reg. $5.95 Online
Special $5.00 ea
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Recipes
Lemon Balm Floral Water
1 quart boiled water
1/4 cup dried Lemon Balm
Let steep 10 minutes, cool then strain. Will last up to 7 days.
Use this as a base recipe for all Lemon Balm infusions.
Lemon Balm & Chamomile Compress
1 quart boiled water
2 Tbsp dried Lemon Balm
2 Tbsp dried Chamomile flowers
Pour boiled water over herbs, Let steep 10 minutes, cool then
strain.
Soak wash cloth in mixture apply to affected area. Use hot for
healing sores, wounds, cuts and scrapes. Use cold to relief skin
irritations and to reduce inflammation. Great for nervous headaches.
Lemon Balm Iced Tea
1 bunch (1-1/2 to 2 ounces) fresh Lemon Balm
1 small lemon, thinly sliced
4 mint tea bags
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons honey
4 cups cold water
Combine all ingredients in a teapot, reserving 6 sprigs of Lemon
Balm for garnish. Pour in boiling water. Cover and let steep for
5 minutes. Stir in honey. Cool to room temperature. Strain into
a pitcher and Refrigerate until serving time.
TO SERVE Garnish with reserved Lemon Balm.
Lemon Balm Spritzer
Refresh your skin on a warm day.
Mix 1/4 cup of Lemon Balm leaves with 1 cup of warm, not boiling
water. Steep 5 minutes. Strain. Add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel.
Place mixture in a spray bottle and mist your skin throughout
the day. Make fresh daily. For added pleasure, chill in the refrigerator.
Click Here to buy Dried Lemon Balm
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P.O. Box 3106 Florence, OR 97439 (888) 445-5051 |
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